PRIMARY OFFICE:

BALTIMORE COUNTY OFFICE:

Baltimore Area Mediator and Collaborative Practice Lawyer

Customized approach to handling domestic disputes

Howard County attorney Alisa G. Cummins is well known for her use of alternate dispute resolution methods in approaching domestic and family law disputes. Ms. Cummins is a trained mediator and collaborative practice lawyer. Mediation, arbitration and collaborative practice are forms of alternative dispute resolution used in place of litigation, which involves taking a dispute to court. Ms. Cummins strives to maintain civility among family members and to minimize negative effects on any children involved. The use of alternative dispute resolution provides several advantages, including:

Privacy

Speed

Lower cost

Reduced stress

Attorney Cummins spends time with all clients to learn and understand their personal needs and goals. She views each client and each set of circumstances as unique. Based on each client's situation, she decides which approach to pursue to achieve optimal results.

Mediating family disputes

Mediation is a method of alternative dispute resolution whereby a "mediator" or third party helps the parties in a dispute reach a settlement. The mediator may propose a solution, but does not have authority to make binding decisions. The objective of mediation is to find a middle ground where all parties can agree.

Arbitrating domestic issues

When mediation fails, then a conflict may be placed under arbitration. This process involves a more formal approach. The arbitrator has the same powers as a judge, but only for the conflict in question. Arbitration is directed to conclude the case and impose a final decision or resolution of the conflict in the fairest way. The parties to the conflict present their claims, but have no part in the final decision.

Utilizing collaborative practice approach

Collaborative practice is a cooperative, voluntary, team-based process to resolve family disputes without the need to go to court. With the help of professionals in various disciplines, the parties work together to create shared solutions to all aspects of the dispute: financial, emotional and legal. Each person chooses an individual attorney trained in collaborative practice to assist, and other collaborative professionals are called upon as needed, including:

Mental health professionals

Child specialists

Financial professionals

Collaborative practice can be used to resolve divorce and other family matters such as premarital agreements, non-marital cohabitation agreements, domestic partnerships, guardianships, paternity and child custody and support matters.

Contact the law firm that provides outstanding personalized attention to your family conflict

When you need the assistance of a family law attorney, contact the Law Offices of Alisa G. Cummins at 410-465-0001 or contact the firm online to schedule a consultation. We welcome the opportunity to meet with you personally to discuss your case.

With offices in Ellicott City and Towson, the firm serves clients throughout Howard County, Maryland and surrounding counties, including: Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Frederick, Carroll and Montgomery counties. The main office, located in Ellicott City, is conveniently situated near the Howard County Courthouse. Just 12 miles west of downtown Baltimore, the office can be reached via I-695, I-95, I-70 and Routes 29, 100 and 40. The firm's attorneys also meet with clients — by appointment only — at its office in Towson, Maryland. The offices are handicapped accessible and offer free parking.

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